Mattress with breast support panels

ABSTRACT

The mattress or mattress topper is a new and improved breast support device that supports breasts with two breast support panels with multifunctional uses. The mattress or mattress topper is horizontally oriented, made in standard mattress sizes and may be modified to include in various sizes and shapes. This device will assist in the support of breasts while simultaneously providing a premium sleeping surface for the spouse or partner who sleeps next to the primary user. The design embodies two rectangular insert panels. Each panel has a soft supple material on the top surface and a firm sturdy material on the bottom surface. The panels will penetrate downwardly and fill the transverse breast cavity that stretches across the respective common breast area. The reversible panels provide options for the user or users based on their support needs; to sleep on designated sides of the bed; and also give an option to transform the entire bed back to full support for guests. The soft breast support area accommodates breast implants, large breasts, or sore breasts during nursing or a post surgery condition, thus allowing primary user to lie comfortably in prone position without undo pressure to the breasts. The embodiment also allows primary user to roll over and still have back support or support while sleeping on side. The device allows the primary user&#39;s spouse or partner to concurrently rest on the same surface without any obstruction between them in the flat mattress plane as typically seen from raised pillow apparatuses or breast cushions in the prior arts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a mattress or mattress topper, morespecifically, one that is designed to gently support the breasts whenlying in prone position with the soft supple side of a reversible panelwithin the preferred embodiment.

After a breast augmentation, sleeping in prone position has beenpainful, uncomfortable, and impossible to get a proper night's rest.Finding a comfortable position to rest in face down position has beenineffectual, notwithstanding tucking arms at sides and fisting hands onthe chest area above the implants to counter the pressure from thebreasts to the sternum. Years of this position engendered carpal tunnelso severe, surgery on one hand was required. In a decade of seeking fora device to alleviate the pain of breasts, hands and lower back, thefruitless search led to the design of the present invention.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Female support cushions of the prior art have empty cavities thatbreasts may drop into when primary user is in prone position whichyields no real support and most importantly without comfort. Thesecavities may also cause a health risk if a woman naturally shifts to lieon the side or in supine position while sleeping. The vacant space maycause the back to sink into the empty area that may result in backproblems. These devices give the primary user no other option except tosleep only in face down position which is an unnatural act. In addition,the incline cushions cause the lower back to sway producing additionallower back problems. The prior art consists of mattress pads or cushionswith inclines or raised surfaces that are placed on existing horizontalsurfaces. These devices are not conducive for personal relations betweencouples because they prevent the spouse or partner from lying on thesame horizontal plane because the primary user is raised above thesurface on which the spouse or partner is resting. Lastly, the prior artcan only be used exclusively by the primary user solely in proneposition has no other function for no other user.

Stevens U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,804 Body Supports and Protectors July 2001discloses a pillow-like protector for numerous body parts including thebreasts. This device can only be used in prone position which isunnatural during the entire sleeping duration.

U.S. Pat. No. 61,857,868 Female Cushion Support B1 February 2001 toSchlechter discloses and claims a cushion that inclines to 45 degreesfrom the waist to between the breasts. A small sections fits between thebreasts and attaches to the contoured recess that fit under the breasts.A pillow is supposed to be added for the remainder of the supportrevealing that the device cannot be used alone. This design sways back,prevents rolling over and lastly cannot be used by anyone else.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,847 Mattress with a Concavity for the Breasts April2000 to Allyn discloses a wedge shaped incline cushion. This cushionarches the back, prevents rolling over and is unusable in flat positionto anyone except the primary user. Cushion also prevents a couple to lieon the same surface plane.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,945 Breast Orthotics Pillow July 2000 to Copelanddiscloses a cushion with head and arm rests and a cavity to receivebreasts. Primary users are limited to one position while sleeping whichis an unnatural act.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,061 Female Anatomical Mattress February 1998 toGiori discloses a cavity for breasts to fall into without support orcomfort. The breast depression eliminates the option to roll over sinceshoulders would fall, unsupported into the vacant space. It is notpractical if sharing a bed with a spouse because the user is raisedabove the surface of the mattress.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,862 Therapeutic Support Device October 1996 toYavitz discloses a contour pillow to support the sternum whichalleviates pressure on the breasts; however leaves no support for theneck and head, in addition to these disadvantages the lower back mayarches which harvests back tribulations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,449 Prone Pregnancy Cushion March 1995 to Sattodiscloses a foam cushion with cavities for the breasts and abdomen.Apparatus is raised above the mattress surface with no head support.Device relies on additional pillows to support head and neck which arehigh above the preexistent flat surface on which it lies. The primaryuser cannot roll over and this cushion has no use to anyone else exceptthe primary user.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,335 Sunbathing Aid July 1976 to Rhoades discloses aninclined cushion on which primary user is to lie from the waste up. Tworound depressions are carved into the surface to accommodate breasts.Laying on this half inclined surface sways and arches lower back whichmay cause lower back ailments.

None of these devices accomplish the objectives of the novel device ofthe present invention. The aforementioned patents do not allow a primaryuser to sleep in prone position on a functional mattress; lie on theirback; sleep next to their spouse or partner concurrently on the samesurface plane; or enable guests to use their bed. The present inventioneliminates the disadvantages of the prior art by being multifunctional;anatomically supportive in prone and supine positions; allowing a coupleto lie next to each other; and permitting the use of the device by thosenot in need of special breast support. The present inventionsubstantially fulfills many needs which are most practical when makingsuch a specialized purchase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the first objective of the present invention to provide a new andimproved mattress or mattress topper to support breasts without thedisadvantages of the prior mattress and cushion devices.

It is another objective of the current invention to provide a mattressdesign having a panel or panels of breast support without thedisadvantages of the prior art.

It is the objective to have the primary user to sleep comfortably withproper breast support in prone position without undo pressure tobreasts.

It is another objective have the realistic option to roll over on sideor to supine position and still have upper back supported.

It is the objective of the present invention to realistically meet theneeds of a primary user to sleep comfortably next to their spouse orpartner without physical obstacles between them.

In addition, the device has an objective to allow primary user andspouse or partner to sleep on their predetermine sides of the bed as inthe past by adjusting panels accordingly.

It is still a further objective of the present invention to be used byguests in a given situation who may also utilize the mattress ormattress topper's benefits.

It is the objective of the invention to provide comfortable support forbreasts when in face-down position during pregnancy or nursing; or postsurgery: breast implantation, breast reduction, a biopsy, mastectomy,breast lifts, or any unmentioned procedures.

It is another object of the invention to prevent painful pressure onbreast implants by providing soft material in the breast area instead ofopen empty space as seen in prior arts.

Another object of the invention is to not disturb the personal relationsin the bed, being that primary user and spouse or partner share the samesurface, this invention eliminates a ledge between them as does cushionsin the prior art.

It is an object to have an alternate surface when continuous support isneeded over the entire mattress. Total support is accomplished byreversing both breast support panels to the firmer sides.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of its construction and to the arrangementsof the components set forth in the following description or illustrateddrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and beingcarried out in various ways. It is not desired to limit the invention tothe exact operation as shown in drawings and described in thedescription since modifications falling within the scope of theprincipals will occur to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings the present invention FIG. 1 is a perspectiveview of a mattress or mattress topper with a rectangular transverseconcavity stretching across the respective common breast area.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention showing theconcavity containing the two breast support panels.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention prior to insertionof the two breast support panels.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention with one panelinserted into half of the concavity and one panel prior to insertion.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the present invention illustrating bothpanels inserted into and filling the concavity with the supple breastsupport surfaces of both panels facing upward.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the present invention showingboth panels inserted into the concavity with the two panels facingopposite directions, thus illustrating primary user's option to havesupple area on the left or on the right.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the present invention illustrating bothpanels inserted into and filling the concavity with the firm sturdysupport surfaces of both panels facing upward, thus finalizing themulti-functionality of the preferred embodiment where the mattress ormattress topper can be utilized by others.

The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoingspecifications are used as terms for description and not of limitation.The invention is capable of other embodiments and is capable of taking anumber of specific forms and in various ways without departing from thespirit of the invention. The description of the present invention andequivalent expressions excluded of the features illustrated anddescribed or portions thereof, let it be known that the vision of theinvention is defined and limited only by the claims to follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings in particular FIGS. 1 and 2show one embodiment of the same mattress or mattress topper 1 of thepresent invention. The mattress or mattress topper 1 is a horizontalsleeping device, rectangular and three-dimensional in essence. Thepreferred embodiment 1 is an apparatus that has an upper surface 4 andbottom surface 18; both parallel to the floor plane. The presentinvention may rest alone or on an already preexisting surface. Theembodiment has four vertical sides. Two vertical sides are elongated 8and 10, and define the respective common sides of a mattress and the twovertical shorter sides 6 and 16, define the common top and bottom sidesof a mattress also know as the head and foot. The mattress or mattresstopper 1 is comprised of suitable materials determined by those skilledin the art to provide premium body support using comparable materialsused in typical mattresses of superior quality. The mattress or mattresstopper 1 regardless of materials that will be used in construction willoffer many benefits offered through the fundamental nature of the designof the preferred embodiment.

The mattress or mattress topper 1 of the present invention has severalsignificant advantages over the prior arts. FIG. 1 illustrates amattress or mattress topper 1 with a rectangular transverse concavity 2penetrating downwardly and across the respective common breast area.FIG. 2 shows the cavity filled containing two reversible support panels12 and 14 in the respective common breast area. As in FIGS. 3 and 4demonstrates the simple insertion of these panels.

FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment 1 using an option with both breastsupport panels 12 and 14 with the soft supple sides turned upward. Theprimary user can utilize the entire mattress or mattress topper 1 in theaforementioned option. If the spouse or partner of the primary user isabsent, the primary user may temporarily convert the entire mattress ormattress topper 1 by turning the spouse or partner's panel to the softsupple side so both are facing upward as illustrated then easilyreturned to normal sleeping arrangements upon their return.

Still further, FIGS. 6 and 7, of the present invention 1 show theversatility of this device by having the breast support panel on eitherthe left or right side of the bed giving the couple the option to sleepon their predetermined sides of the bed. This advantage has not appearedin any prior art.

Lastly, FIG. 8 shows another major benefit of the present invention 1which gives the primary user the opportunity to offer the bed to a guestby turning both panels 12 and 14 with the firm support surface facingupward. The guest may also utilize the many advantages of the preferredembodiment if there is a need for the guest to use the soft supple sidesof the panels 12 and 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION OF THE INVENTION

The mattress or mattress topper is a horizontal sleeping device,rectangular and three-dimensional in its primary design that may restalone or on an already preexisting surface. The preferred embodiment isan apparatus that has an upper surface and bottom surface; both parallelto the floor. The embodiment has four vertical sides. The two verticalshort sides define the respective common head and foot sides of amattress The other two vertical sides are elongated and define therespective common mattress sides. The mattress or mattress topper iscomprised of suitable materials determined by those skilled in the artto provide premium body support using comparable materials used intypical mattresses. The present invention regardless of materials thatwill be used in construction will offer many advantages offered throughthe fundamental nature of the design of the preferred embodiment.

The invention relates to a mattress or mattress topper, made in standardmattress sizes, that is designed to gently support the breasts whenlying in prone position yet sturdy enough to hold the upper back insupine position or on primary user's side. The design embodies arectangular transverse concavity across the respective common breastarea. There are two panels that will penetrate downwardly and fill theconcavity. Each panel is reversible and has a soft supple side on thetop and a firm sturdy side on the bottom. The reversible panels provideoptions for the user or users based on their support needs to sleep ondesignated sides of the bed and also gives an option to transform theentire bed back to full support for guests.

Never seen in the prior arts was there ever a breast support device withthe versatility, practicality, and adaptability as the preferredembodiment. Primary users can lie in prone position on their ownmattress, with an option to sleep on the left, right, or both; can sleepwith their spouse or partner on the same surface plane withoutcumbersome support cushions creating an obstacle between them as seen inprior art; can choose collaboratively with spouse or partner the panelarrangement; can roll over into supine position or on side without theirbody parts falling into empty spaces as seen in earlier designs; and tofinish, the present invention can offer a premium support mattress to aguest who may also want to utilize the options that the preferredembodiment provides. The benefits and advantages of the presentinvention surpass any previous invention associated with support for thebreasts and will be a practical, useful, and resourceful purchase.

1. A new and improved mattress or mattress topper for supporting breastscomprising: a) said a generally rectangular and horizontal structure instandard mattress sizes and also in shapes and sizes modified as needed.b) said a structure having: four side walls defining the head and footof the mattress, including the two respective common sides, as well asan upper and a lower surface. c) said having a width defined by thedistance between the two long side walls and a length defined by thedistance between the two short side walls. d) said has a heightsufficient enough to house two reversible support panels. e) said alower planar surface horizontal to a floor's plane. f) said lowersurface of structure may be used in conjunction with preexistent surfacein mattress topper form or lie alone in mattress form. g) said uppersurface is a horizontal plane parallel to the ceiling containing arectangular transverse concavity in the respective common breast areathat vertically penetrates downwardly, leaving enough space for twosupport panels.
 2. The mattress topper of claim 1 wherein said the tworectangular, reversible, support panels: a) said equal in size, fit sideby side within the transverse concavity; filling the fissure; creating aflush plane continuous with the upper surface. b) said having twodifferent degrees of firmness: one side of panel soft and the other sideof panel firm. c) said utilized by flipping to the desired sides offirmness. d) said soft supple side of panels provides support forbreasts. e) said soft supple side of panels capable of supporting sideand back of the body when primary user rolls over. f) said firm side ofpanels provides premium firm support for the back or for the body on itsside consistent with the degree of firmness on the overall upper surfaceof the mattress or mattress topper. g) said panels are interchangeablefor right or left side. h) said panels with soft both sides up forcontinuous breast support across the width of the top surface. i) saidpanels with both firm sides up for continuous back or body support withthe degree of firmness on the overall upper surface of the mattress ormattress topper.
 3. The mattress or mattress topper of claim 1, whereinsaid primary user can: a) said sleep in prone position without undopressure to breasts by using the soft supple surface of panels facingupward to receive breasts. b) said using supple surface of panel rollover to supine position and sustain upper back or support the body onits side. c) said sleep next to spouse or partner on a continuous flatplane without physical obstacles between them such as formerly seenbreast cushions. d) said allows primary user and their spouse or partnerto sleep on their predetermined sides of the bed as in the past byadjusting the panels accordingly. e) said offer present invention toguests by using the panels of said both on the firm side facing upward,or guests have the option to choose the soft supple sides of panels ifneeded.
 4. The mattress or mattress topper of claim 1, wherein said willprovide support for breasts after surgery of any nature for a man womanor child; support for pregnant women's breasts or for nursing orsensitive breasts; and reduces the pressure on chest caused by breastimplants or large breast when in face-down position.